Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

David Edwards

Origami-inspired miniature robot could open new era of surgical robotics

by

By Lindsay Brownell, Wyss Institute, Harvard University

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, in which a surgeon uses tools and a tiny camera inserted into small incisions to perform operations, has made surgical procedures safer for both patients and doctors over the last half-century.

Recently, surgical robots have started to appear in operating rooms to further assist surgeons by allowing them to manipulate multiple tools at once with greater precision, flexibility, and control than is possible with traditional techniques.

However, these robotic systems are extremely large, often taking up an entire room, and their tools can be much larger than the delicate tissues and structures on which they operate. [Read more…] about Origami-inspired miniature robot could open new era of surgical robotics

Robots reduce training time in material handling sector, says Yale

by

Reducing the time companies spend training new employees are among the many benefits robots bring to the industrial sector, says Yale.

The 100-year-old locksmith’s company partners with Balyo to offer robotic solutions such as autonomous forklift trucks for the material handling industry.

Yale Europe Materials Handling says it now offers “sophisticated robotic solutions” which can adjust to changes in their surroundings. [Read more…] about Robots reduce training time in material handling sector, says Yale

MineWare brings artificial intelligence to drilling holes in the ground

by

Mining equipment monitoring and automation solutions provider MineWare has developed the mining industry’s first AI-based drill automation platform, Phoenix AI, to optimize aftermarket blasthole drill operations.

Phoenix AI product manager Curtis Stacy says the intuitive, interoperable platform features an advanced layer of AI to mitigate common drilling faults and improve performance.

“Compatible with all blasthole drill makes and models, Phoenix AI is an independent system that allows machine operators to automate their entire drill cycle at the push of a single button, without compromising the OEM control system,” he says. [Read more…] about MineWare brings artificial intelligence to drilling holes in the ground

iRobot launches ‘Genius’ robotic floor cleaners

by

iRobot, maker of robotic floor cleaners for the home, is unveiling new ways to clean with the launch of its iRobot Genius Home Intelligence. (See video below.)

The company describes the new system as a “powerful new robot platform” that unlocks an expansive range of digital features and experiences for the company’s line of Wi-Fi connected products, including the Roomba robot vacuum and Braava jet robot mop.

iRobot Genius gives users an “unmatched level of personalization and control over their cleaning robots”, accounting for their unique homes, schedules, cleaning preferences and smart home integrations, says the company. [Read more…] about iRobot launches ‘Genius’ robotic floor cleaners

Xwing debuts ‘world’s first fully autonomous air cargo flight’ using classic plane

by

A startup company called Xwing has completed what it says is the “world’s first fully autonomous air cargo flight” using a classic Cessna plane. (See video below.)

Aerospace experts at the company are working with the FAA to unveil pilotless plane technology for short-distance regional air transportation.

Xwing says it has successfully executed numerous passenger-carrying autonomous take-off to landing flights in a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan. [Read more…] about Xwing debuts ‘world’s first fully autonomous air cargo flight’ using classic plane

Kuka showcases new fully automated sealing and damping system at Audi

by

Kuka is showcasing a new “fully automated sealing and damping system” that the company has implemented at Audi.

In the automotive industry, it is becoming increasingly important to produce sustainably and efficiently.

As an alternative joining method, adhesive and sealing technology in body-in-white production makes it possible to reliably join a wide variety of materials. [Read more…] about Kuka showcases new fully automated sealing and damping system at Audi

ABB offers augmented reality on a smartphone to simplify robot installations

by

ABB has launched its new RobotStudio Augmented Reality viewer to provide a “quick and convenient way of visualizing where and how robotic automation can fit into your process using a smartphone or tablet”.

Discovering whether a robot is right for your application has never been easier following the launch of ABB’s new Augmented Reality viewer, which has been added to ABB’s powerful PC-based RobotStudio offline programming software.

The RobotStudio AR Viewer app can be used to test any model created in RobotStudio, enabling users to get an idea of the size and scale of a robot or robot cell and how it can be deployed on a factory floor to fit around any existing production equipment. [Read more…] about ABB offers augmented reality on a smartphone to simplify robot installations

Michigan university scientists’ new solar panels could eventually lead to self-powering skyscrapers

by

Imagine if all the glass we see on the sides of skyscrapers and other buildings were actually solar cells in disguise, collecting energy from the sun and helping to power the building and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. 

That is the dream of many scientists who are working on the technology. Essentially, they want to replace the silicon material that glass is made out of with material that is more suitable for capturing solar energy.

While green energy has made great strides in recent years – with Germans as a nation recently using more electricity from alternative sources than traditional gas- and oil-based power – there’s still a long way to go. [Read more…] about Michigan university scientists’ new solar panels could eventually lead to self-powering skyscrapers

Opinion: The future of bespoke automation

by

Automation is clearly a key component of the future, it already makes up a significant part of supply chains and factories today; from robotic X-ray machines in hospitals to pallet trucks, parking lots, baggage handling and even stage scenery automation within theatres.

There is a rapid expansion happening in the automation industry, especially as bespoke vehicles can be created for businesses to leverage specific and measurable benefits through qualified consultation that doesn’t break the bank.

Dr Paul Rivers, managing director at Guidance Automation discusses what the future holds for automation, and how for businesses to gain the most benefit from these technologies, they must look to deploy a bespoke solution that aligns precisely with their processes, goals and workforce in order to fully reap the benefits. [Read more…] about Opinion: The future of bespoke automation

Michigan to redesign road network to accommodate driverless cars

by

The State of Michigan is planning to redesign its road network to accommodate driverless cars, according to a report on CNN.

Authorities in the state refer back to the area’s history as the home of some of the world’s largest automotive companies and factories.

The city of Detroit, Michigan used to known as “Motor City” in decades gone by, inspiring the name of the famous record label “Motown”, which launched the careers and made global stars of singers such as Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu, and Michael Jackson. [Read more…] about Michigan to redesign road network to accommodate driverless cars